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NHL Slap Shots: Cassidy will be back as Bruins’ coach

Trevor Smith

Sports Blogger

@trevor_smith20

The Boston Bruins announced Wednesday morning that they are bringing Bruce Cassidy back as head coach. Cassidy replaced longtime Bruins coach Claude Julien on Feb. 8 and led the team to its first playoff berth in three seasons.

Canucks hire new coach

The Vancouver Canucks found a new coach after firing Willie Desjardins on April 10. The Canucks are promoting Travis Green from their AHL affiliate, the Utica Comets. Green has led the Comets to deep playoff runs the past two years. The Canucks are expected to officially announce the promotion Wednesday.

Wild’s Staal concussed after headfirst collision

Minnesota Wild center Eric Staal was diagnosed with a concussion Sunday after going headfirst into the boards in the Wild’s 4-3 Game 5 loss to the St. Louis Blues on Saturday. General manager Chuck Fletcher said if the Wild were still in the playoffs Staal would be out for a while.

Blackhawks swept in first round

The Chicago Blackhawks were swept in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs by the Nashville Predators. The Predators completed the sweep with a 4-1 victory at home Thursday. The Blackhawks are the first No. 1 seed in either the NBA or NHL to be swept by the No. 8 seed. They also are the first NHL No. 1 seed to lose in the first round since the L.A. Kings upset the Vancouver Canucks in 2012.